April 26, 2020
Good evening EPRU members,
I was sadly reminded that yesterday “should” have been the EPRU championship, hosted by South Jersey, and our first Bateman Cup, hosted by the Roses. It would have been a perfect day for rugby.
I wanted to provide an update on the progress of rugby in our union and its relationship with USA Rugby and with the Covid-19 stay-at-home mandate.
USA Rugby will be continuing the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process by producing a draft of the proposed new by-laws. This is scheduled to be presented to USAR congress this week.
I have been working with a GU President’s group for months on creating a Terms of Reference (TOR) that will be presented to USAR. The TOR will lay out how club rugby wants to govern the game within our community. It will state the expected services and benefits from USA Rugby in exchange for the dues we pay yearly, both as individual players and as clubs. It will call for a restructure that gives club rugby more control over its own operation and competition. While the TOR is still in the works, I will be sure to share it as soon as it is final.
COVID-19 continues to hang over our game and we can not play until the restrictions are lifted. I believe that the majority of summer 7’s tournaments will be canceled, but that will be at liberty of the changing state restrictions and the progress of the curve. The safety and health of our union members is the priority and USA Rugby will not cover any liability for teams or individuals that play during the restriction. So please, continue to be smart.
The MAC, in an effort to be prepared, has been discussing the competition structure for the 2020-21 season, by division. The MAC Coordinators should have touched base with team executive boards about the proposals and gathered feedback to help further advance the proposals.
COVID-19 has affected each of us in different ways. Our businesses, sponsors, teams, and families may be struggling as we cope with not only a loss of a season, but losses that are affecting our personal lives. Although it may take some more time, we will be on the pitch as soon as we can, playing, reffing, coaching, and cheering our teams on. Until then and if you are able, please stay safe and find ways to connect with your clubs and find community in a time of isolation.
With you,
Bryan Dewease
President
Eastern Penn Rugby Union
